April 27 | 2021
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CHAMBER UPDATES & EVENTS
OC Speakers Series Online: With B.C.'s Finance Minister
This Thursday at 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
The Honourable Selina Robinson has tabled her first budget as B.C. Finance Minister. Now the government is reaching out to explain the details and to hear from businesses in the Okanagan (and elsewhere). We’re pleased to welcome the Finance Minister for a virtual townhall this Thursday April 29th at 3:30 PM.

There are numerous Chamber wins in the Budget including investment in the hydrogen economy; making wholesale pricing for liquor for hospitality licensees permanent; PST exemptions for some manufacturers; funding for tourism; training spaces for Early Childhood Educators; monies for temporary farm workers and other agricultural funding. 

The virtual town hall will allow us to hear more about these initiatives and more. Q&A as time allows. 
Province Increases Funding & Expands Eligibility for Circuit Breaker Relief Grant
The province is adding an additional $75 million to the Business Relief Grant it created in early April after the most recent restrictions took effect. This brings the amount available for those hard-hit businesses to more than $125 million. Eligible businesses will receive up to $20,000 to help with expenses like wages, rent, maintenance, and utilities.

Applications will be accepted until June 4th or when the funds are disbursed. The Circuit Breaker Business Relief Fund adjustments will also help accommodation providers who are being asked to limit reservations as a means to support the emergency order to restrict travel.
City of Kelowna Sets Tax Increase at 4.04%
Kelowna City Council has authorized a 4 per cent increase in property taxes after approving the 2021 Financial Plan on Monday. The impact on individual businesses won’t be fully known until the City sets its tax rates for each class and other levies from the Regional District, school and library are factored in. Property tax notices will be issued in late May. Property taxes are due by July 2nd. 
Maximizing Your Investment - Membership 101 (Members only)
As a member of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce there are many opportunities for you and your business to grow with the Chamber.

Join us Friday April 30 at 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM for a (virtual) special briefing for you and your team to learn how you can get the most out of your investment in membership. 
Annual Kelowna Chamber Day of Golf a Near Sell Out
The 36th annual Chamber Golf Tourney (day of golf) is fast approaching. Registration for the May 26th event is only a couple of foursomes away from a complete sell out. 

Our presenting sponsor Parke Pacific Projects Ltd. and the rest of our fantastic sponsors invite you to enjoy the day with us and get in on the opportunity to win some terrific prizes. Register now.
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The Chamber is Hiring: Communications & Member Relations Coordinator
The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce is seeking a highly motivated Communications and Member Relations Coordinator who will bring their strong organizational and interpersonal skills to an energetic team that is focused on continuously creating value for our members and the communities we serve.
EVENTS & PROGRAMS IN OUR NETWORK
Join the Sales Lead Network & Exchange Meaningful Referrals, Grow Your Busines
If you're looking for an effective way to grow your sales with the support of other professionals in your community, then the Kelowna Chamber Sales Lead Network (SLN) is the perfect program for you. SLN is an exclusive benefit for members of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce.

Each week (Thursdays 7:00 AM - 8:30AM) you will have the opportunity to meet with non-competing Chamber members to exchange meaningful referrals and business insights.
Stepping Up: Uncover Your True Leadership Potential with WEC
Leaders come from all walks of life, and they create better businesses and communities through their actions. Every action a person takes, every conversation they have moves them ahead as a leader.

On Tuesday May 4th at 10:00 am join the Women's Enterprise Centre as they host a workshop where participants will learn about their unique leadership style and learn how to improve on the strengths they already have.
Overview of Volunteer Management
Join Kelowna Community Resources on Thursdays May 6th through June 24th for their very popular workshop aimed at helping you attract and retain volunteers. Content is based on Canadian research, best practices and the Canadian Code for Volunteer Involvement. Re-charge your Volunteer Program and get back to engaging volunteers today.  
BDO's TOP 40 OVER 40
BDO's Top 40 Over 40 program celebrates remarkable individuals in our community over the age of 40 as a means to showcase mentors, champions and role models who encourage and foster the future leaders of our community.

To learn more and nominate a deserving mentor or coach CLICK HERE.
PARDEEP KHROD | BC Cancer Foundation

Over the span of her professional career, Pardeep has had extensive experience in forming and leading teams, while creating a collaborative family culture wherever she’s worked. With a background in operations, marketing, health, and fundraising, she uses the skills she has acquired to bring the best out in herself and others, while producing world-class results. In her current role as Executive Director, BC Cancer Foundation - Interior, it is imperative to listen to the community, she says, and work together to raise critical funds to enhance research, outcomes, and care for those facing a cancer diagnosis.
PATRICK NG | RBC Dominion Securities

Prior to joining RBC Dominion Securities, Patrick gained experience working directly with clients in different capacities at such firms as HSBC Canada, Sun Life Financial, and some accounting firms during summers as a student in Vancouver. In his spare time Patrick is committed to making his community a better place. He sits on the board of directors for the KGH Foundation and The Third Space Life Charity, as well as being actively involved in working with the Kidney Foundation of BC & Yukon, and volunteering his time with the Interior Health Renal steering committee.
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NEWS IN OUR COMMUNITY
Nourish Families: Local Meals for Local Families, Now Seeking Meal Partners
The Nourish Families Initiatives provides a meal to a family-in-need for every meal ordered by a community member. They have now had five different meal partners (and counting) to provide multiple weekly menu options and are providing meals to families-in-need on a weekly basis. Click HERE to read more about the program, or click the link below to get involved as a meal partner.
Record Response for Local Youth Initiative Grants
Every year, the Central Okanagan Foundation and United Way’s GenNext put out a call for applications for youth-led projects that support people or programs in the community. This year proved to be very competitive with a record number of applications. Five projects based in the Central Okanagan and South Okanagan have been selected.
COVID-19 UPDATES & RESOURCES
Canadian Chamber and Abacus Data Poll: Returning to the Workplace
Recently, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce released the results of a poll examining how Canadians feel about how and where they work during the pandemic; Abacus Data completed the polling. The survey was conducted online with 1,056 Employed Canadian adults, from March 25 to 30, 2021.
Member Blog: It's Your Personal Mask Preference That's Pointless
An Interesting Read from the Blog of Employment Lawyer (and Chamber Member) Robert Smithson of Smithson Employment Law Corporation.

Administrative tribunal decisions arising from the pandemic are starting to appear, and the Human Rights Tribunal (HRT) has sent a message to people asserting homespun legal reasons for not wearing a mask...
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR MEMBERS
Welcome to our New Members!
Congratulations to our Members on their Milestones.
Thanks for your continued investment in Kelowna's future prosperity.
UPCOMING EVENTS AT A GLANCE
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Drop us a line!
KELOWNA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | kelownachamber.org